The Early Bird Catches the

Carlyle On The Green.

We have our second meeting with Cynthia to go to contract for a date in September, 2008. Throughout the entire venue due diligence process we didn't run into many spaces that were really booked so we think we're a step or two ahead in the game.

I have some issues with the contract that I hope she can amend to the existing contract. They are:

I'm not sure how many of you actually know but Bethpage is hosting the 2009 U.S. Open (again). The dates are set - June 15-21. I'm worried about the amount of construction that could be going on in September, 2008. I would suspect that any changes to the clubhouse or surrounding grounds would happen the fall before, no? Any thoughts?

Also, we need to make sure the premium bar includes some essentials: Campari for Big A, Wild Turkey (gobble, gobble...have some wild turkey Gillott! hahaha.) for her mother, and some Black Label. I'll have them list the liquor available since everyone's definition of 'premium' varies.

I think her dad might have another request or two regarding the service but I'm not sure of what the specifics might be. (He used to work in catering for his father.) I was very impressed with his line of questioning and immediate request for a cup of coffee this past Monday. (Note to readers: if the coffee ain't hot, the dinner won't be either!)


On a non-contract-related note, we spent a good deal of time trying to justify a Sunday night wedding. Sunday's were $20 per head cheaper - achem - more affordable, so the potential savings just had to be taken in to account. If you're thinking of a Sunday night wedding, keep the following in mind:

a) Is there an event before yours?

b) If so, will the grounds be just as clean and manicured if it were a Friday night?

c) If so, are you (or the band! or the florist!) limited as far as showing up X number of hours earlier? This was definitely the case and an hour and a half set up time for either the band or DJ or the florist just didn't seem like enough time. Can you imagine if 'something' happened?? Oh yeah, we don't know yet what we'll do about music but you can be sure it'll be a post.

d) If so, are there certain rooms that you will not not have access to. This happened to be the case with both the primary bridal suite and the groom's room.

e) Will any part of the grounds not be available for pictures? It just so happens that we would have to avoid the current event's 'space' and not really know what we would not be able to use as the perfect backdrop would surely limit us.

f) Is any of the staff working both events? Can you imagine working a double for weddings or other events? I can't.

Those issues pretty much sealed the deal
for us. Am I missing anything? Are these even necessary concerns, I mean we're dealing with professionals, right?!?

Stay tuned for our food selections for the cocktail hour and reception!

Loft 11 & The West Side Loft

So, we finally saw her favorite space. It was definitely nice but I seem to have a problem with practically every space we've seen - a logistical problem at that. We were greeted by Micheal Miller. Nice guy. Very engaging and started out by asking the right questions. He also had hair like the Gotti boys; not to their extreme but I'm sure you get my drift. And the shoes he wore just didn't go with the suit he had on. They looked like boots and he reminded me of Herman Munster when he walked around - at least from the shin down. I was thinking about telling him very matter-of-factly but I know Coco would've killed me. I was sold - we couldn't even think about using this space because of his foot apparel.

But seriously - both spaces allowed for good traffic flow considering the "order" - ceremony, cocktails, reception. I want to insert a lil lovin' somewhere in there (no pun intended) but, again, Coco would kill me. Something about not ruining her dress. Imagine that. Does she even plan on wearing it again. As if.

Oh yeah, back to the space. Loft 11 (on the 11th floor) really won't be able to accommodate more than 150 heads and if we even get close to 160 I'd be stoked. The best thing about this space was the slate-floored fountain room. He sold us this space as a 'smoking' room throughout the night which will make Big A and his cigars happy. G and Boogie will gladly partake a puff out there, too. I've ruled the first space out even with this room in mind.

However, the West Side Loft (6th floor) could easily handle a target size of 175. Again, if we can hit this number I'd be stoked. One of the downsides to this space was the size and proximity of the bridal suite. Michael did suggest that if another space of their's on the 7th floor wasn't used that they would gladly offer it as a better bridal suite at no charge. Great suggestion but I would only take the space IF the room came also. I'm not sure what it will cost to reserve the space in itself but this might detract from the space based on budget alone. We'll see.

They had a huge mirror on one of the walls but it definitely would get in the way of photos and whatnot if it were the backdrop of the ceremony. They could always take it down and re-hang it afterwards. What really seemed to eat up the space was the fact that whatever DJ (or band - not sure about that idea BTW) comes in speakers will be needed. I like my music and I like it loud so I can totally imagine square footage going bye-bye. Most of them use speakers on a tripods, right?

I'm picturing a 'squarer' space. Something less long and narrow as this one. Any ideas out there that I might have missed?

Breaking News!!

As expected Studio 6, Abigail Kirsch's place at the Crooklyn Navy Yard is out! Way too much cash. I mean, come on, the woman has a monopoly on weddings in the tri-state area - you know you're going to pay top dollar.